Use Renewal By Andersen

The Renewal by Andersen product is by far the best product on the market. Im laughing like crazy due to peoples beliefs at "Life time warranties" Whose life time your pet goldfish. Those are usually only good for 7 years. The average home turns over every four years.
Remember home improvement is the industry that a company is most likely to go out of business in 5 years.

If you want to know about what garbage vinyle isgo to the journal of light construction "working with vinyle windows" it will open your eyes.

Use Renewal by Andersen, Andersen made the first vinyle window in 59' and never massed produced it. Why is that. Why would they put a composite out and not vinyle? Vinyle will warp twist and bow. Ask why vinyle windows have to locks. The salesman will tell you protection. Did you ever grow up with 2 locks on your wood windows? No, it's a weak point in the window!

I am interested in getting good vinyl windows for my home , But would really like to make sure the are gonna be good and hold up. Any advice on a good product would be appreciated. I am looking at window world at the moment

Doug yoour average cheap window is about 350.00 to 400.00 low quality low effeciency and most likely carried by a worthless warranty a good winow average cost is 450.00 to 500.00 depending what type of installation is being done,that is determine by what is in your home. example:steel pan,aluminum or wood windows.how to compare use these guidelines NATIONAL FENESTRATION RATING COUNCIL nfrc rates frame and glass together the overall performance.The U=value should tell you what is the OVERALL R=factor .The u=value on the renewal by anderson is a .30 on a double hung window for about 1000.00 a window .that same window in vinyl will cost you 500.00 you make that choice vinyl or vinyl/wood composite. also be careful with people who charge 500.00 for 350.00 window. Compare WARRANTY,YEARS IN BUSINESS,BETTER BUSNESS BUREAU,AND OVERALL U=VALUE COPARISONS. need more info, let me know there is too much hooplah going on this window site about renewal being the best...

I need replacement windows and I've just started my research. I have sliders now but I want to try double hung windows. Do you know a good window company serving the Maryland area? (Good product + reasonable price)

Simonton windows are decent quality and mid-range energy performance. They are mostly sold by Sears and Home Depot at the higher end of the vinyl price scale due to sub-contracted installers.

Re: Use Renewal By Andersen

Author: Fenestration Expert (---.dyn.optonline.net)
Date:

As for Renewal by Anderson, pretty window, midline energy performance (out-dated LowE/Argon with metal glass spacers) but well known name (big advertising dollars = big window dollars). Just for fun... next time you see an Anderson window, look between the edges of the glass and ask the rep why the metal glass spacer has perforated lines down the center. Chances are, he won't know or he/she will tell you it's just how they're made. They are perforated because the metal spacers are huge conductors of heat and cold that also dry out the thermopane seals causing them to fail so they are filled with desicants to absorb moisture between the glass (so they dont fog). Read the warranty... you need to prove loss of Argon gas and seal failure for replacement. Unfortunately, "most" windows are made that way, even the PPG Intercept window spacers have their metal belly filled with a desicant. Sneaky huh.

This guy is all wet. Renewal is the most overpriced replacement window on the market. In comparable test for water and air infiltraton and structural stability it does not rank with the better vinyl windows sold at half the price. Shop and don't be fooled by brand names. Andersen is a good window co, but the Renewal is just slightly better than average in the replacement world.

Simonton Windows are also in the upper crust, but look closely because they have about 20 or more different series of windows and the quality varies. Their Stormbreaker series is in my book one of the best windows made today.

Your expertise is lacking. Although I wouldn't reccomend the Renewal to anybody they do have an outstanding glass package mfrg by Cardinal Glass. If you look carefully you'll find the only spacer system which beats it is Super Spacer by Edgetech. Thermally speaking at 0 degrees outside with a 70 degree inside temp there is a two degree difference between Cardinal and Super Spacer at the edge, and very clean sight lines.

I live in SE Wisconsin where the temperature swings from -15°F in the Winter to 95°F in the Summer. My windows are sliders and range from 3 to 4 feet wide by about 4 feet tall. From everything I have heard and read, vinyl windows will not perform well in my situation - they will experience way too much expanding and contracting given the temperature swings and window sizes. It has been interesting listening to the vinyl window salespeople generally admit this fact and then downplay the issue by citing their warranty would cover any failures of the window. If I know it is prone to failure, why would I go with a vinyl window? So I can invoke the warranty and pay someone to come fix it? It was also interesting to hear the vinyl window salespeople go on and on about their glass. The glass is the most inexpensive part of a window and only CONTRIBUTES to the overall efficiency. Many salepeople harp on R-value as well instead of talking about U-value, which is the true measure of energy efficiency. Given the climate here, I went with Renewal by Anderson. I believe it is a superior window for these reasons: it is more appropriate for this climate; it is more attractive than any vinyl window; it carries a better warranty (absolutely no cost); it is from a company that will not go out of business; and it only costs about 10% more than a quality vinyl window.

Renewal wouldn't be my first choice, in fact I strongly reccomend you don't buy them.
Andersen's a good co but the Renewal is very overpriced and only of slightly better quality. Thermally most windows are quite comparable with low-e and argon and have a u-value in the .29-.33 range. Structurally they very quite a bit, a good barometer is the design Pressure grade, air infiltration test and water test. Another good test to look at is the condensation resistance factor. All salesman have these results, but some are reluctant to give them knowing they don't stack up for the price their quoting you.
I am assuming your talking about replacement window and if so these are brands that I reccomend from the top shelf Schuco, Milgard, Alsides Preservation and Kolbe & Kolbe"s Masterpiece 7500. The next shelf down but all very good windows, Simonton, Certainteed BM (in locations where they don't use Swiggle), Alsides Sheffield and there are many more. It's a pain but you need to shop and not at Lowes or Home Depot.

R Value and U-value are the same thing one is simply the reciprocal of the other and in calculating heat loss you'll come up with the same #"s. One is the resistance to heat loss the other the actual btu heat loss. In as far as quality vinyl sliders their are many, Milgard, Simontom's Stormbreaker, Kolbe & Kolbe's composit Masterpiece 7500, Schuco,to name a few. All with low air infiltration test, high dp ratings and excellent weep test. You'll notice I didn't mention Renewal-not very good test, not that much of a window and very high priced.

You are obviously very biased against the Renewal product line. Looking at your all your posts here that is quite obvious. Is it because they take a good chunk of your business away? You have stated that they cost $1,000 per window - I believe that is an exaggeration in general. I am installing good sized windows for about $800 a piece (52" x 52" gliders) and that includes cladding the existing brick mold. I don't mind paying the extra premium for the premium features you get - a more solid product, better warranty, installation AND product from the same company, and a respected name.

I don't sell windows-no bias just window facts. I can take a Renewal grab it by the top edges and twist it until the sashes fall out. They have a very low DP rating 20 and that pertains to window strength. If I take a comparable high end vinyl window selling for $500.00 and try and twist it, I'll break my wrist before anything moves and it well have a DP of 45 or more. The cheap bulb style weatherstripping at the top of the Renewal isn't very impressive, and it's probably one of the reasons you can't get their air infiltration test which I'm sure aren't very good. It also strikes me as odd the master frame has mitre's and the sashes are butted together. Not a very attractive combo and I've noticed the welds are not cleaned very well. That's because there's not enough material at that point. It would break the seal. I have a Renewal window and I look at it everyday. My point is simple, Andersen is a old established and reliable co, but the Renewal is simply an average window that's very over priced.

You should get your facts straight Windowmann - according to the WDMA (Window and Door Manufacturer's Association), the DP ratings for the Renewal Gliders range from 25 to 55. The particular Renewal gliders I have purchased have a DP of 40. Twist that!

Windowman... in this particular case about the spacers.. my expertise is not lacking. I am not saying your's is in return, but it is outdated. Yor are correct about the two degree difference between Cardinal's conventional spacer and Edgetech's Super Spacer (and PPG falls between the two of them). I would be glad to help you become current. TPS (Thermo-plastic-seal) glazing is better and now available in the US. It has an edge of glass difference of 9 degrees over Cardinal spacers (as opposed to Super Spacer's 2). The Super Spacer uses a silicone structural foam with an acrylic sealant to become less conductive but foam is very porous and that is why Super Spacer is 40% desiccant powder by weight to suck up condensation between the glass as the seals fail and the gas fill goes bye bye. In addition, as I am sure you are well aware, oxygen (present in air and condensation), deteriorates Low-E soft coats. Broken seal = no gas fill and no Low-E. The TPS seal has no desiccant (the only without) because it doesn't need one... there is not 1 recorded seal failure in 27 years of it's use in 45 countries. You seem to wish to help educate these consumers and professionals... I respect that.

Dear Northern Exposure, glad to hear you are happy with your investment... but Windowman was making a valid point. He never said Anderson sucked.. he just said there were better performing windows for the buck... he was right. Anderson's window technology is very outdated.. do you still run Windows 95' on your computer? For the same money you payed, you could have gotten Schuco sliders with an overall U-factor of .20 verses Anderson's gliders of .34(their best with upgraded "high-performance" glass), for an average "year-round" temp of 50 degrees, thats (34%) or 66 BTUs per 3'x4' window/per hour that you are spending on energy bills only to increase year by year because their seals fail (hidden by desiccants, and you lost your Low-E and Argon). Research, research, research... people in the market want facts, not opinion.

For the record... Schuco(the largest window manufacturer in the world) is over three times the size of Anderson (gross sales) with little or no advertising corporately. They succeed by making a better product and word of mouth. Anderson has the largest advertising budget of any window company and that's the only reason you know the name... not the product performance. They look great against 1950 glass technology, but by today's available products, they are like playing "Pong" on Atari vs. X-Box.

I've spent the better part of two day's talking to Schuco engineers and Adco people. What I'm trying to find out is a comparison between SS and TPS, never did get an answer maybe you know. And they have had seal failures, not many but have had some. Only one attributed to the spacer, that was admitted to me. I've always known Schucco was a good window, but I'm leaning towards great and thus all the questions. Thanks for any help you can give me.

Unfortunately, if you are seeking the conductivity comparison between the 2, I don't have the technical data. What I do know is the TPS units all score better on U-factor and TSS themselves claim to provide a seal that prevents condensation between the glass 3-5 times longer than conventional spacers only, they don't claim a seal that won't fail... hence the extremely high desiccant powder content 40% by weight). Thats like someone selling a boat with it's hull filled with sponges and rags promising you won't see a leak on deck. If you successful in finding additional data on the two.. please post it or email. Thanks.

Since your address is pacbell, I'm not sure this will help, since I'm in Virginia, but I once lived in the Bay Area.

I've lived in this house since 1989, and the original wood windows on the south side where it can get to 100 in the summer, and low 20's in the winter - well they just began to wear and rot out. We've tried painting them years ago, that didn't help much.

So we are replacing them with vinyl windows from Long, as in Long Fences. They only serve the metro Washington, DC area, but if you go to their window manufacture website, www.quantum2.net, check out their PowerQ glass. If anyone says that windows don't matter, they haven't experienced the Power Q glass. That film in the middle was unbelievable. The sales rep put a heat lamp on one side of that double glass window pane with a BTU meter on the other side. It barely registered. After a few minutes, he let us hold the glass panel. The side with the heat lamp on it was very hot, the side that would be inside the house was very cool. He did the same experiement with other so-called low-E glass panes - there was no comparison - you could feel the heat go thru. That middle membrane did work.

I suspect that those low E glass panes are old technology. There is better stuff out there. Oh, don't get me wrong. Those Quantum windows will be expensive, but I figure if those windows really work and I can save maybe $40 or $50 a month in energy, it will pay for itself overtime.

Thanks for the info Fenestration Expert - let's look at what that 66 BTUs per window will cost me: According to the DOE, if heating with natural gas, it costs $.91 per 100,000 BTU. That means for that extra 66 BTU per hour I need to generate for an Andersen window over a Schuco, it will cost me $.0006. Over a year then, it will cost me $5.25 more per window given I didn't go with a Schuco window - a figure hardly worth even considering. Generally, I agree that you can probably get a better "window" for the money based on the technical data for the window, but remember that is only the product portion of the equation. The question you should ask is can you get a better solution for the money? For instance with Andersen, there are no third-party contractors - sloppy installers that can introduce a faulty installation into the equation and then not be around when I need them. A big part of the decision to go with Andersen windows is that I only have to deal with one company - whether it be an installation issue or a window issue - and they are large enough that they simply make it right, without making decisions based strictly on their cost to fix the problem.

We have experienced exactly the same problems with our 1989 house with wood window frames and rotting wood. We also had
the heat lamp experiment demostrated through
the Sears 3 hour demonstration!! I certainly
learnt enough about windows and installation to be even more
confused because before I did not even know I did not know all of this stuff. While Sears windows 'sounded' wonderful, really did emphasize that good installation is key, they are extremely high. I felt I was talking to a car salesman after all playing with numbers to give us a coupon saving, discount and another discount to sign right there and then. We also were not able to get a breakdown of the prices per window. Let's hear the good and bad experiences with Sears. Do they really live up to their 'Life Time Warranty'?

I've been in the window industry since 1975 and have installed about every type of window. {aluminum ,vinyl, fiberglass, composite, wood}
I used to install for Renewal by Anderson in South Holland, Illinois. At that time, they were partnered up with Gilkey Window, and one day I'd install Gilkey vinyl windows, the next day Anderson. The organization of that company was amazing. The warehouse even had it's own trim shop, and when I pulled up at 6 in the morning, EVERYTHING I needed for the day had been put on a big dolly and was wheeled to my truck. They were very, very good to work for and I left only because I moved out of state.

That being said, there is a serious problem I saw with the Renewal windows. With only minor contact with the ground carrying them into the home, the frame would crack in half at the corner joint. Also, if an installer would put a screw in one side and snug it tight, then put the screw in the other side and snug it just a little too far, that also would crack the frame in two at the corner. It's like the joint just didn't bond right when they made them. Some installers I worked with would wrongly put some caulk into the joint to "fix" and camoflage it, and sometimes they had no choice but to order a new frame.
Now to be fair, any product has problems now and then, but the misleading claims of this window being a "super-window" and far superior to vinyl are just not true, and it bothers me to read the posts of Renewal salesmen on these posts lie about vinyl and build up Renewal like it's so far superior.
The window does have a niche in the market and nicely fits the needs of many homeowners, though I think it's somewhat overpriced and would not personally put it in my own home. I would rate its performance on an even par with most average vinyl windows I've installed, no better.

Re:Window4U

Author: windowmann2000 (---.dsl.mdsnwi.ameritech.net)
Date:

You and I had better not be to highly visible, the Renewal people are going to put a hit out on us.

LOL... on the contrary Win2000... sooner or later Anderson will learn that they can't keep cutting quality out by replacing it with advertising. It's a new day my friend where through sites like this, the consumers have the power again by gaining knowledge (in most cases more than window salesmen). But, to be on the safe side (HIT), I love Anderson products <as he types with one hand and sticks his finger down his throat gagging>.

As an installer, what vinyl windows would you recommend...not too expensive but of decent quality. We live in central Texas.
Or would aluminum be overall better? I'm totally lost.

Window4U wrote:

> I've been in the window industry since 1975 and have
> installed about every type of window. {aluminum ,vinyl,
> fiberglass, composite, wood}
> I used to install for Renewal by Anderson in South Holland,
> Illinois. At that time, they were partnered up with Gilkey
> Window, and one day I'd install Gilkey vinyl windows, the next
> day Anderson. The organization of that company was amazing. The
> warehouse even had it's own trim shop, and when I pulled up at
> 6 in the morning, EVERYTHING I needed for the day had been put
> on a big dolly and was wheeled to my truck. They were very,
> very good to work for and I left only because I moved out of
> state.
>
> That being said, there is a serious problem I saw with the
> Renewal windows. With only minor contact with the ground
> carrying them into the home, the frame would crack in half at
> the corner joint. Also, if an installer would put a screw in
> one side and snug it tight, then put the screw in the other
> side and snug it just a little too far, that also would crack
> the frame in two at the corner. It's like the joint just didn't
> bond right when they made them. Some installers I worked with
> would wrongly put some caulk into the joint to "fix" and
> camoflage it, and sometimes they had no choice but to order a
> new frame.
> Now to be fair, any product has problems now and then, but
> the misleading claims of this window being a "super-window" and
> far superior to vinyl are just not true, and it bothers me to
> read the posts of Renewal salesmen on these posts lie about
> vinyl and build up Renewal like it's so far superior.
> The window does have a niche in the market and nicely fits
> the needs of many homeowners, though I think it's somewhat
> overpriced and would not personally put it in my own home. I
> would rate its performance on an even par with most average
> vinyl windows I've installed, no better.
>

I am not an installer anymore, haven't been for the last 7 years of my 24 years in the business. These days I do consulting for companies in the construction industry with a strong emphasis on the "soft sell" through consumer education and product knowledge.

I am from Chicago and currently in New York so I will openly admit I am notfamilar with which products are available in your specific area. If you mention a few that you are interested in that are, I am sure I can venture a thought or two. Windowman and Window4U are indeed my teachers when it comes to the details of the hundreds of different windows bombarding the market nationwide.

i used to install for Renewal By Andersen in the s.f bay area and i have to agree some of you.In my opinion Renewal should not charge more than a vinyl window because it is not a better window. Fibrex is wood mixed with vinyl, if vinyl is that bad why does their windows get trimed on the interior with "vinyl flat trim? if its so bad why do their patio doors specially the permashield has a vinyl clad??
Why does the renewal's double hung leaks air into the house tru the screw caps on the jamb? And oh yeah Andersen has a service sheet for just this and what is the magic solution? Caulk the screw cap before snaping it into the hole.
If fibrex does not expands why the double gliders move loose after locked. Try them if you own them. If you want the veneer why do the miters bulg up with extra material and it if you want to shave it you see the fibrex. Look at your miters on the windows and you will see all the splints from their saw have just been painted over. If you have Renewal in your house go now! and see them.Are these 1500.00 dlls windows? NOT
If you are going to spend that kind of money go with a new construction Andersen 400 series or 200 Series, or a Milgard Wood Clad is an excellent alternative.
Vinyl Windows are not for every home some require high end windows, but Renewal is an expensive retrofit window.

I installed Renewal by Andersen... I researched a bit and the fibrex material was given a good rating as did the glass. Ask if I am happy and the answer is-- Not really!

The inside sills are peeling, that is the paint is chipping off the fibrex on all 18 windows only on the left side after less than 6 months. The local dealer tells me this is common and gave me some touch up paint. And as for being fully sealed, the caulking was not completed until a couple months after installation and I felt air coming in from the top during a really windy day. According to a posting from someone on this site, the air comes through the plugs that are in the sash. I do not recall seeing these plugs or the uneven seams in the demo window during the sales pitch.

I also do not like how the windows appear unfinished in the corners of the inside lower sash. One can see the inside fibrex when the window is up-- this is a complaint from others & Renewal by Andersen has yet to correct. Suppose if folks like me continue to buy, why should they correct the multitude of problems? .... My recommendation is get another window. I would not purchase these windows ever again... especially after paying nearly $800/a window & remaining less than satisfied! My sister has vinyl and has not experienced half the problems I have encountered with Renewal by Andersen.

You can reach Schuco at 1-877-4-Schuco or at www.schuco-usa.com. I don't install windows any more, I am in the research and education business... and yes, I am a fan. It is one of the finest products I have come across in my 24 years in the business. Good Luck.

I have had several sales people out to my house selling various vinyl replacement windows. Andersen is coming out tomorrow evening. I am having trouble finding any information on the Schuco windows that seem to be the favorites of the website. Their site doesn't list any energy efficiency ratings at all. I like the look of the Andersen windows, more glass area less vinyl area, more like a wooden original window. Their website clearly lists all of their energy ratings. It is so hard to get ratings on any windows, it is almost impossible for a consumer to really research windows. The NFRC's website is horrible. They give you a database to search through that contains hundreds of windows from each manufacturer. When you drill down on double hung Milgard window you get something in the neighborhood of 150 records -- all different windows, and guess what, all different U factors. How do you even know when your sales person is selling you windows x that you don't end up with window -- with a totally different U factor. I am beginning to think the entire industry is corrupt. A consumer cannot even see his product before he plunks down 5 or 10 thousand dollars. I want to see the windows I buy with their nice little efficiency ratings printed on each one before they install them. I have not had one sales person who was willing to write that into my contract. I have bought cars for less money than some of these sales people are quoting, and I knew absolutely everything thing there was to know about them. With these windows, there is no guarantee as to even what rating the one that will arrive at your house will have. Also, how much energy can they really save? They are just being slid into your existing, and likely crappy, un-insulated 50-year-old frames.

Re: Use Renewal By Andersen

Author: Art (---.dsl.emhril.ameritech.net)
Date:

JackA -

You're absolutely correct about the difficulties a consumer experiences when investigating replacement windows. However, if one takes the time to sort out the NFRC site it can be quite educational.

I agree about the Schuco site and I'd bet that FenEx or Window4U will be happy to let you know that it's being totally redone - but that's not an overnight project.

FYI - When windows are delivered to you, they DO have the ratings and/or specs on a label attached to them (at least Schuco does). The sales rep won't offer a contractually guaranteed rating? Go to a different window manufacturer! Energy savings? Well, I had all new Schuco's installed a couple of months ago and I can sure tell the difference! I live in the Chicago area where weather can be a HUGE factor and there is no doubt in my mind that I made the correct decision. My home is a 35 yo Wick (manufactured) home and the windows already are making themselves known.

I do know what you're going through and all I can say is to stick with it - once you've made the right purchase it's worth the hassle.

What company did you go with? We are getting quotes on replacement windows. It has become confusing. Have you heard anything about the foam that is used? We were told that it breaks down after five years. Have you heard this?

Try this:
http://www.schuco-usa.com
Learn to use a search engine. You may have come across Mercedes-Benz. One is the subsidiary of the other.
BTW, most of the folks posting here are not idiots and for the guy with the sales pitch mentality, how much does it REALLY cost to make a window to justify $1000 per window w/ installation?
Most folks who paid for these would be sick to their stomacs if they knew how easy it is to install these windows (correctly). If the salesman is "good deal today only" or "let me ask the manager", run! Those that feed on high commisions "to feed the kids" would rather eat their kids if they made a killer sale doing it!

Re: Use Renewal By Andersen

Author: Art (---.dsl.emhril.ameritech.net)
Date:

DIY for Fun -

Tell me, when the Chrysler PT Cruiser was new and in short supply with high demand, and SOME Chrysler dealers were charging several thousand dollars OVER the window sticker, was Chrysler at fault?

The point is: while some (repeat, SOME) window installations may actually require a lot of labor (hence a higher price), most do not and I'd venture to say that the majority aren't even close to $1K/window.

I had 19 Schuco windows put in my home this past fall by a truly competent installer who went out of his way to ensure that things were right and the cost was under 10K. Just because some folks might take advantage doesn't mean that others do nor that the manufacturer does. As far as REAL manufacturing cost is concerned, the salesman has NO control over that and is generally using the prices set by the distributor (independent agent) he's working for. I agree with you about when to run but I most definitely disagree about the manufacturer being the bad guy.

I purchased Andersen renewals and feel they are a total rip-off. Could not be more unhappy. Air leakage is much worse than my old windows. While they look nice, they are not worth 1/10 the price and they are absolute trash regarding energy efficiency. Nothing more than loose fitting sash with weather striping. Don't waste money on these.

We are looking to replace some or all of the windows including 2 sliders in our 10 year old house in San Jose, CA. An Anderson Renewal guy came by last night and talked and measured and quoted. He spent most of the time selling the windows and saying that the fibrex frames are the future of windows, stronger, more efficient and cost more because they are better and custom made for the house.

But if we order in Jan we get 20% off and if we are more flexible on scheduling (something called job share?) we get an additional 10% off. This takes the cost down to $23K. He also said if we do a partial order, like buy just 1 window or door, we would lock in the 20% discount for as long as we own the home...

The rep is obviously on commission so I asked him how he was compensated and he told me he is on 100% commission based compensation.

In our previous house in San Jose we replaced all the windows (10 windows) and 1 slider for $11k just 2 years ago. We did Milgard windows and Anderson french oak slider. The company did 'new construction' I think because I saw them take the old windows down to the house frame. The renewal guy said that doing new construction installs is illegal now in CA and has been for years and that the window companies would not honor the warranty for new construction windows installed as replacements.

Pulling windows without properly replacing the flashing paper is ilegal. The new construction method involves replacing the flashing paper hence making the method not illegal. You are at the right spot to ask away before anyone touches your house. I have always said that the homeowner is responsible in making sure their job gets done right especially after finding websites like these.nevertheless you are on the right track WELCOME!!

I had a rep for anderson here. The price seemed fair, but now i here they are overpriced. Has anyone had condensation problems? Also, has anyone ever heard of Lang windows. I think they are manufactured out of the Chicago area. We had them in our old house. They seemed ok but
one must have been installled incorrectly because it leaked air when the wind blew.

Like many companies, the price you recieve for Renewals may vary depending on the contractor. If you are happy with the price and the product, then who are we to say not to buy them? As I have said before, they have a place in the market and have their positives, even though I think they are overpriced for the performance they offer. I will compliment them in the fact they can be really pretty in certain installations.
As an update to previous reviews I have given for the Renewal, I have heard that Anderson has changed the mainframes from being "welded" to a butt joint. While I don't usually care for windows with a butt joint, this does address my complaints about brittle welds breaking on the mainframes corner welds. I have to commend them for changing the way they put them together. (I guess I did know what I was talking about, eh Joe C.?)

I want to know what happens to a Schuco limited lifetime warranty if the installer goes out of business. Who would handle the warranty at that point? Does Schuco North America or Schuco Homeproducts USA in Newington CT handle the warranty at that point? Or will the warranty only be valid if the original company installing your window is still in business?

In regards to the Anderson replacement window. I purchased a "quality" Anderson window at a local hardware store for $275 (I got a discount because my father in-law works there)that is double paned, low-e. There was solid ice inside the window the other morning. Of course it was 25 below zero the night before. But still...

I've had an RBA salesperson come out for the last 3 years (Can't decide). While the local dealer has changed, the price has steadily gone down. We have huge picture windows (96 x 72) and RBA seemed to be the best thing going.

I've had several companies come out and some were too slick (buy today and save 25%); stupid (buy one try it out - if I don't like they would "reinstall" my old window.

I even had Home Depot come out touting their various windows. They were higher to install than the other Milgard Window installers and they talk of how HD will be around to warranty their work. I've found that the subcontractors they use for the most part will cut corners and every breathing moment will be spent trying to enforce the warranty.

we just had a home depot rep come out and we priced renovation 6500.
6500 series
14 windows
1-picture
4-2panel slider
9 double hung

$7860

includes big warranty and in home demo on why we should buy from Home depot...we live in the DC metro area......buygin windows sucks. on our new addition we have anderson 400 series wondows but we are looking for something that would match....we are still looking

IF your windows are leaking air it's a good chance that the windows were installed poorly. Renewal has a two year guarantee on their installs. If you are unhappy with the install. Call up your distributor. He should cover the install. As far as the product. Renewal are great. It your install that you should be unhappy with. If you are unable to get any help from your local rep. Look on the inside of your frame. There should be a sticker with a toll free number. Call it and see if you get anything there.

Yes, it is spelled that way and even I made the mistake. I guess I must not be an expert either. It's especially egregious on my part since I worked for Renewal once upon a time.

But let's get to the real important issues. When you said, "Renewal are great", it should have been, "Renewals are great", or, "Renewal is great" Your sentence structure is also lacking proper form. You put periods where they don't belong, which makes your sentences incomplete and without meaning.
Boy, this is much "funner" than talking about windows. Let's see, I can envision the new discussion board site now......www.spelling-punctuation- grammer.com

We just had a representative from Windows America give us an estimate on simonton vinyl casement windows. He came in way lower then the other two companies one being Renewal by Anderson. Have you heard about Windows America and how do I know if the Simonton windows are the ones you said are really good. Thanks
Kitty

I have also been taking quotes on windows over the past few days. I have been offered Simontons from one dealer (quote is pending)Standards from another ($225 each installed) and Accuwelds ($265-300 a piece) from yet another. I am totally confused and would like to know where I could find side by side comparisons for available window companies and models. I would like independent reviews. Also I was wondering, if my window sizes are standard why do I need vinyl replacements, why can't "new construction windows" be put in? An Andersen rep. said that they would not prevent leaks - why not?

It took HD from Nov. 5th to Jan. 27th to come and measure. Now I live in Fl. and I know how things have been since hurricane season...but???does anyone have good stories to tell about Home Depot and installation of vinyl replacement windows?

I like their price and the window looks good but I'm worried about how long it will take to get them installed. I have 5 wondows and a 6 ft patio door to replace. Their price installed is $3200.00.

Regarding the Sears salesman. I had 6 renewal by anderson windows placed in my house and I thought that before I replaced more and paid an average of $800/window, I would call Sears and see what kind of product they had. The sales "person" was initally very nice and after a 3 hour presentation (though my dinner time), when I decided to not buy the sears windows, he got a huge attitude. He would hardly take No for an answer. What it boiled down to was the grids on the sashes.
I was immediately turned off and decided that the style and the salesperson of Renewal by Anderson was worth the extra $100/window!!!!!!!!!!!!! Plus, the quality seemed much better.

My inlaws pd $15,000 for windows and now they think that they were rooked because Anderson Windows are over-rated and overpriced and they have had to go back numerous times for one thing or another. The windows weren't installed right and now all they can say is that they are rectifying any and all concerns.

Hey, when you pay that kind of money for windows, they should be done right the first time around. They shouldn't have to go back to make any tweeks or adjustments.

I was a Sears window installer for 5 years, and now a service tech for Sears. I haven't researched window quality or r-factors (or U). I couldn't even tell you what they mean. What I can tell you is this. In my career with Sears, I have installed thousands of replacement windows, with alot of repeat customers. I personally had very few service or satisfaction issues. In fact, I can say, there were many very satisfied customers that loved their new windows, Even years later, through several Minnesota winters. If I had to narrow it down, I would say the install is crucial! The best window in the world, sucks if not installed properly. I did re-install several that had been screwed up by a new crew. You'll have that from time to time, with Sears, these installers were quickly spotted and relieved of their duties. I can't tell you how much money these customers saved in heating bills, but, I can tell you that many were impressed with how much quieter their house was after the install. I could barely hear my outside helper through a Sears 7,000 series, (now called WEATHERBEATER MAX). I have done several side jobs using an inferior brand of window, and installed Sears "good" window. The weight difference between the WBM and those other windows is crazy. You just can tell that it is a better quality window. I haven't installed Andersen or schucco, so I can make no comparison. The Sears "best" window has proven itself to me thousands of times. Now that I'm a service tech, I can tell you that probably 80 percent of window issues are due to installer error, and there aren't many. The rest of the window issues are problems that have been remedied on the new windows. for a while Simonton had a problem with stress cracks in the glass, some would crack the same day as installed, some would crack in the truck en route to Sears, some cracked several days after install. I don't know (or care) why, the problem has been solved. There are very few mechanical issues with a properly installed Sears window. I would recommend Sears for windows to my grandma. But I would install them myself, to avoid install issues. I would recommend demanding the best crew they have and no newbies!! Even ask to see a job they have completed in your area, if they're a stand-up crew, they won't mind at all. I've found most customers glad to show off their windows to a prospective new customer!!!

I forgot to mention that Sears is a very "customer satisfaction" oriented company, that is not going to go out of business anytime soon. Every installer meeting I attended, revolved around customer survey scores for the month, quarter or year.
If an installer cannot maintain good scores, they don't stay long.

Re: Use Renewal By Andersen

Author: Curious installer (---.client.insightBB.com)
Date:

This is not meant as a slam at Sears, but just a question I've always wanted to ask a Sears installer. I'm just curious how you handle it when customers have found out between the time of signing the contract and the time of install that they could have bought the same Simonton windows installed for half or even a third of what they paid to Sears.
I have been offered a job installing for Sears several times, and that fear of what to say to a custmer who is irate for spending $1000 or more for a window that he has recently found out he could have bought for $300-$400 has kept me from installing for them. I would just hate walking into situations like that.
Does it happen to you often? Thanks.

Searspro, By your post's I would assume you installed in MN? If you did, I would probably know who you are. Since we installed for Sears for two years....from 2000-2001. We were "Branch Applicators of the Year" during our time there. I never seen any other applicator there that lasted longer than three or four months. We were there longer than anyone during our time with Sears. So you must have installed some where else for them. I must say though while working for Sears they Paid well and the people there were nice and friendly.

There were times when they shipped installers up from the South to help out after we had some big storms and got really backed up. A couple of these crews were suppose to be Sears best crews in the Nation. After working with them I almost laughed myself silly. These crews took every shortcut imaginable with no pride what so ever. I ended up going behind them fixing all their issues. I was embarrassed for Sears after this happened. Sears biggest problem was they hired any idiot off the street to run their program. None of them had any experience in windows in any way. So if a customer complained about something they had no clue what they were looking at or how to fix the situation. So customers were always trying to pull the wool over their eyes on a daily basis. Because at the time Sears had a motto that "For any reason you didn't like the job they would give it to you for free". Customers were coming up with every excuse under the stars. Needless to say it got so far out of hand I bailed out. They did sell a boat load of windows. To answer the Curious Installers question on customer comments. I never heard it ounce from any customer. I I would have I would have given them the phone number to the Regional Manager. I can honestly say I enjoyed working for Sears most the time. If they had management that was skilled in the trade. They would have had a vey successful program here. They were hiring and firing so many installers and staff there . It was a revolving door that never stopped. They have a great window line and charge way to much for their product. Ounce a customer finds out they can get the same product for half the price down the road. They'll be gone in a heart beat. I could go on forever. but it's dinner time. Good Luck!!!!

To curious installer,
I never really had customers complain about the price of our windows. I would say, most knew they could buy cheaper windows. They could also buy cheaper appliances, fences, tools, lawnmowers, garage door openers even dentures. Sears might not make the best of all of these things, but, there are alot of peoople who just trust Sears for everything possible. Just like they trust Chevrolet or Ford. They learned this from their parents, and their parents learned it from their parents. Or they've been burned by a company that sold for less. Sears has stood the test of time. Why? Because they stand behind what they sell, always have. I sound like a Sears spokesperson, I know. I'm not, but they should be paying me for this! On the other end of the spectrum, Sears can finance nearly anyone. Those with less than perfect credit might be turned down by the "cheaper" companies, so how can they complain about the price?

To Guy,
I do know you, I was there at the end of your run with Sears, in fact I probably was the reason for the end of your run. But, I won't get into that. Sears had some problems with management. They were relatively new in the home improvement industry. They have since made solid moves in the right direction. They have implemented new management structure in every office. Each department will have a manager, siding, windows, kitchens and hvac. Time will be managed better and closer attention can be paid to customers as well as installers. I think every office now has a service tech, where the services used to be handled by the subs. By the way, I was "Installer of the Year" for three years after you "bailed". I can tell you, and I know you agree, good help is hard to find. I won't deny Sears has had touble with installers, (and managers) and offices have even closed. But they are smoothin out the wrinkles.

Re: Use Renewal By Andersen

Author: Curious Installer (---.client.insightBB.com)
Date:

searspro wrote:
On the other end of the spectrum, Sears can finance
> nearly anyone. Those with less than perfect credit might be
> turned down by the "cheaper" companies, so how can they
> complain about the price?

Sounds like what the loan sharks say for heaven sake. I can't believe you actually said that.

Both have similar extrusions, glass spacers, and glass packages. Both are also very large companies and have good customer service. Simonton has the edge between the two when it comes to the higher end windows though, such as the Impressions, which has some nice glass packages as well as an upgrade to Superspacer, and a nicer fit and finish than their normal vinyl window. Some of the features are similar to ones that I praise Schuco for, though I'd still rather have the Schuco. :-)
The Impressions are only sold by a few select Simonton dealers. (like the guy on here named Bill) They would be a good window for anyone to consider along with windows like the Schuco 4000, Gorell 5300 , Alside Preservation, etc. that are considered in the premium category.
On the other hand, if you are looking mainly at price and mid-grade quality, then either the rest of the Simonton line or any of the higher end Atrium windows would fit the solid midgrade window category and would be a good choice.